Professional Science Masters (M.S.) Program in Computer Information Systems

The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems is a program that presents students with an applied education in advanced topics associated with computer science, computer engineering, and information systems. Students can enroll in this program on either a full-time or a part-time basis.

The program is designed for students with some experience in computer technology and programming, who wish to advance their technical skills and knowledge, and who also wish to improve their communication and business skills. The goal of the program is to produce graduates who are technically proficient in their field and capable of working successfully in government and business.

All students take six (6) required courses in areas that are central to computer information systems. These areas are data structures, computer architecture, database management systems, data communications, user interface design, and software engineering. All students also take two courses in an area of specialization and do an independent studies project in their area, working closely with faculty. It is also possible to combine an internship with an independent study project. The current areas of specialization include embedded real-time systems, Internet programming, bioinformatics, and computer game design.

Students also take a course in technical communication. Surveys reveal that employers want their technical employees to be able to communicate well, work well in teams, and be able to work and communicate successfully with people from many cultures in an increasingly global workplace. The purpose of this course is to foster those skills. In addition, the department seeks to build communication and team skills in all our graduate courses.

Requirements for Admission

A student seeking admission to the program must fulfill all general requirements for admission to graduate study. In addition to meeting these criteria, all students must have either a grade point average of 3.0 in their undergraduate work or present a portfolio of professional work to be evaluated by the faculty of the Computer Science department.

All students must have at least nine credits in undergraduate mathematics courses (or the
equivalent), as well as the following undergraduate courses or their equivalents:

• CSC 202 Introduction to Programming
• CSC 302 Data Structures
• CSC 321 Database Management Systems

Students are required to obtain a B or better in each of these prerequisite courses.

Requirements for Degree

All students must complete 33 credits, including a three-credit independent study project. All students must also take six credits within their area of specialization.

Core Requirements (21 credits)
CIS 501 Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis (3)
CIS 502 Computer Organization (3)
CIS 503 Database Theory and Design (3)
CIS 504 Data Communications (3)
CIS 505 User Interface Design (3)
CIS 507 Software Engineering (3)
CIS 508 Technical Communication (3)

A student with sufficient experience that is equivalent to a core course may substitute (with departmental approval) an additional elective course or independent study.

Area of Specialization Courses (6 credits)
Students must take either CIS 511 and CIS 512, or CIS 513 and CIS 514, or CIS 515 and CIS 516, or CIS 517 and CIS 518 to satisfy this requirement.

CIS Elective (3 credits)

Research Requirement (3 credits)
CIS 598 Masters Project

Comprehensive Exam (CIS 999) (0 credits)
All students must pass a Comprehensive Exam based on CIS 501, CIS 502, CIS 503, CIS 504, CIS505, CIS 507, and CIS 508. The exam will be given once each semester, typically the Saturday prior to The College of Saint Rose Advisement Day. A student must have satisfactorily completed at least four of these six courses before taking the exam.